After a client drinks polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution for a colonoscopy, what is an appropriate nursing action if they experience diarrhea?

After a client drinks polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution for a colonoscopy, what is an appropriate nursing action if they experience diarrhea?

• A. Notify the physician immediately
• B. Administer an antidiarrheal medication
• C. Document the diarrhea in the medical record
• D. Change the client's position

Answer: (C)

Documenting the diarrhea in the medical record is an appropriate nursing action because accurate documentation is vital in healthcare. It provides a clear, medical record of the client’s condition and response to the polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution, which is intended to induce bowel cleansing prior to a colonoscopy. This information can be essential for other healthcare professionals who may assess the client later, as it informs them about the client’s current state and can influence ongoing management and care. Documenting diarrhea is particularly important in this scenario because it is expected as a side effect of the solution. By noting this occurrence, the healthcare team can monitor the client's response to the preparation, the effectiveness of the bowel cleansing, and assess any potential complications or the need for further interventions. Other options, such as notifying the physician immediately or administering antidiarrheal medication, may not be warranted unless the diarrhea is excessive or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, indicating a more serious issue. Changing the client's position does not address the situation appropriately in the context of managing expected side effects from the solution.

Documenting the diarrhea in the medical record is an appropriate nursing action because accurate documentation is vital in healthcare. It provides a clear, medical record of the client’s condition and response to the polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution, which is intended to induce bowel cleansing prior to a colonoscopy. This information can be essential for other healthcare professionals who may assess the client later, as it informs them about the client’s current state and can influence ongoing management and care.

Documenting diarrhea is particularly important in this scenario because it is expected as a side effect of the solution. By noting this occurrence, the healthcare team can monitor the client's response to the preparation, the effectiveness of the bowel cleansing, and assess any potential complications or the need for further interventions.

Other options, such as notifying the physician immediately or administering antidiarrheal medication, may not be warranted unless the diarrhea is excessive or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, indicating a more serious issue. Changing the client's position does not address the situation appropriately in the context of managing expected side effects from the solution.